Capes, Corsets & Color

There was plenty of capes, sheer corsets and lots of color on the champagne carpet at the 95th Annual Academy awards held last night at the Dolby Theater.  The men also stepped up their game with bold accessories including lapel brooches and detailing.  

First up:  Color

Angela Bassett always stuns.  

Cate Blanchett

My Favorite of the Evening

My other Favorite of the Evening

Melissa McCarthy deserves better than this!  

I love the Barbie pink color but this ballgown looks a little "prom" to me.  

I just don't know if this screams "Oscars" to me.  

Cape Category:

Corsets:

And now for the guys:  

New Year !!!

Happy belated New Year!  We celebrated in a very chill, cool manner.  I think we made it to midnight (Eastern time!).  Sunday and Monday we relaxed and took down our Christmas décor.  

We're only 10 days into the month of January and it's already been super duper busy for us.  The Stars were in town to play the LA Kings on the 3rd and the Anaheim Ducks on the 4th (both losses for the Stars) but we had a great time at each game and had awesome seats.  I then flew out to AZ for a work event on Friday and came home on Sunday. Tonight Coach has tixs to the Dallas Mavs vs. Clippers game.  

Last night we went to the National Championship game @ SoFi with friends from Dallas.  Holy cow!  What an incredible experience.   The stadium was positively humming at the beginning of the game but it quickly went downhill for TCU fans.  It never ever rains in SoCal but the weather last night was terribly ugly so nobody tailgated in the parking lots.  But they were definitely tailgating inside the stadium.  We were there 2 hours before the game and people were totally hammered at 2:30 in the afternoon.  Coach bought our tixs online and we were the only bright spots of purple in a sea of red Bulldog fans.  It was a little awkward but fortunately no one was super mean to us.  

Missing a Chick

I'd love to say all of our chicks are in the nest but sadly we are missing one (she's in MS with her future in-laws for the holidays).  Chick #2 (but #1 in our hearts hahaha!) arrived yesterday after a two-hour delay (typical KJ fashion!  That kid is never on time!).  

But seriously.  We're just glad her flight arrived safe and sound and better late than never.  She was supposed to get in around 4:30 PM and her dad made arrangements for the suite @ Hyde at the Crypto.com arena (formerly the Staples Center) for the 6:30 PM Lakers game.  Unfortunately she didn't land until 6:30 PM, the shuttle bus from the gate to the terminal took forever and her luggage didn't hit the carousal until almost 7:30 PM.  The trek from LAX to the arena was clocking in at around 30 minutes with LA traffic so, we decided to forgo the game and just grab a bite to eat at a cute little pizza place in El Segundo.  

We have lots of fun stuff planned while KJ is home for the next 10 days.  This afternoon she and Coach are doing some shopping, Tuesday they are going to Disneyland, Wednesday they are going to a Beastie Boys exhibit in LA, Thursday we are going out on a boat in Newport to look at the Christmas lights, Friday she's getting her hair cut and colored, not sure what we're doing Christmas Eve but Christmas Day the two of them are going to the football game.  Coach and I have off from work Monday, Tuesday we have seats in the suite for a Kings game and then she leaves Wednesday.  Whew!  

Thankful

We had a lovely time at T and The Dewd's (my brother's nickname for Johnny Frat Boy) for Thanksgiving.  Very relaxing and low-key.  We all arrived Wednesday afternoon (and by "we" I mean us and KJ).  Wednesday night we made homemade pizza's and just chilled.  

There were 13 of us for Thanksgiving dinner.   T always does such a nice job with her turkey, her friend brought over a ham and there were plenty of sides to go around and one friend brought the makings for adult root beer floats.  

Coach and T had to go car shopping (again!) on Friday.  She was in a car accident a couple of weeks back and they originally thought her Jeep Cherokee was fixable but ending up totaling it a few days ago.  She ended up buying a 2021 Subaru Outback.  Which is ironic because 4 years ago almost to the day, she bought the Jeep when she totaled her Outback on the way to our big family Thanksgiving retreat in Gatlinburg, TN.  It's become their black Friday tradition to go car shopping. hahaha

Saturday the girls and I did some shopping at a pop-up market kind of place in Denver.  A bunch of different vendors and clothing trucks near a pub/brewery/food court type place.  T and I went last year too.  Both years the weather cooperated and we had a good time getting a jump on Christmas shopping.  The guys met us for BBQ and then we all headed to the Stars vs. Avalanche game.

It's never easy being a fan of the opposing team at an away game and Saturday night was a total ass-whooping but man!  The Avalanche's marketing department and music team positively killed it!  They had a fantastic pre-game show and played awesome music all game long.  The only bright part of the night was the fact that my favorite player tossed a warm-up puck to T in the stands (so now I have TWO warm-up pucks from Mr. Seguin!!!).  

Sunday we went out to brunch at Snooze (love the OMG French Toast!) and then headed over to the https://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com/ for some beer, mulled wine, pretzels, pierogies and polka dancing.  The Christmas lights were lovely and the weather was perfect to get us Californians in the mood for the holidays!

Coach and I flew out late Monday morning.  Our flight was uneventful -- the TSA  line at Denver was super quick, the Marriott shuttle bus was empty at LAX and the valet brought out car out before Coach had even finished settling up.  Usually that shuttle bus is packed and makes a bunch of stops.  We flew United to Denver and it's the last terminal at LAX so, bonus!  

Mississippi is expecting some very bad weather tonight so Coach changed KJ's flight to get her in earlier rather than driving in the thick of it.  She's already called and said she's home safe and sound.  Can't wait for her to get out here on the 18th!

You probably had NO idea that today is National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day (what in the actual hell???), National Raisin Bran Cereal Day, National Philanthropy Day, National Clean out Your Refridgerator Day (one of my favorite days!  Seriously!  I love cleaning out my fridge and pantry.  So satisfying.).  It's also National Bundt Day and America Recycles Day.  

NATIONAL SPICY HERMIT COOKIE DAY

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day celebrates a cookie flavor reminiscent of autumn spices. Recognized on November 15th, this time of year is ideal for baking up a batch of these delicious cookies. 

Considered an old-fashioned cookie, its spice comes from cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sometimes nutmeg. And the added bonuses are the raisins, nuts, and dates.

Hermit cookies originated in the New England area. In 1880, the young ladies of the Trinity Church, Plattsburgh, New York published the cookbook Champlain Valley Book of Recipes with a Hermits recipe. This local cookbook was a 3rd edition suggesting its first printing was a year or two earlier. Soft and chewy, these cookies sure put a smile on the face of all who taste them.

Add hermit cookies to your holiday baking list. Host a baking party and invite friends to join you. Snuggle up with a plate of these delicious cookies and share them while drinking a cup of hot cocoa.  https://foodess.com/spiced-date-raisin-cookies-hermit-cookies  #SpicyHermitCookieDay

NATIONAL RAISIN BRAN CEREAL DAY

National Raisin Bran Cereal Day on November 15th pours a bowl of one of the country’s go-to cereals. Made from toasted oat or wheat flakes with plump raisins added, these cereals have been a staple in many American breakfasts for generations. 

Since 1925, a variety of companies have been producing raisin bran cereal. Those companies include Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, General Mills, Total Raisin Bran, U.S. Mills, and Ralcorp’s Post Raisin Bran. However, the first was U.S. Mills. In 1925, Skinner’s Manufacturing Company based out of Omaha, Nebraska, introduced the United States to Skinner’s Raisin Bran. While other bran cereals existed, Skinner’s debuted the first with raisins included. 

For several years, Skinner’s held the exclusive right to the name “raisin bran” but that didn’t stop others from making their own. Skinner’s Manufacturing Co. had been in business since 1918. And as the country’s largest producer of macaroni, they weren’t going to let that go without a fight. They took their trademark to court. Despite being first and trademarking the name, Skinner’s lost on the grounds that the words “raisin bran” are merely ingredients. 

Since raisin bran is the star of the day, enjoy it as a snack or for breakfast. Raisin bran is a good source of dietary fiber.  If you’re not a big fan of bran, you can always separate the raisins. Or maybe you’re not a raisin fan. Did you know you can make wine from raisins? It’s true. So, have your bran and wine, too! Celebrate and use #RaisinBranCerealDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY

On November 15th, National Philanthropy Day honors those who give back to their communities. 

The word philanthropy comes from Latin and Greek philanthropia which gives us kindliness, humanity, and love for mankind. From this, we take the philo (tending to, fond of) and join antropos meaning mankind or human beings.

Philanthropists give of their time and money in ways that provide a lasting impact: 

• Supports education through scholarships, grants, foundations, and more
• Foundations support scientific research
• Development of charities
• Funding grants to programs for local, national, and international needs
• Encourage art through grants and foundations
• Invest in advocacy platforms for the underprivileged

The day recognizes philanthropists for their many significant contributions, help, and good deeds and for the differences that they have made in our lives and our communities.

While philanthropy is giving and kind, it is a type of gift that strives to replace social ills with solutions. Philanthropists see issues and try to solve them. Charity often is a temporary solution for a temporary problem. When the issue persists, we seek a cure. There are instances of philanthropy that can overlap with instances of charity. The difference is that charity relieves the pains of social problems, whereas philanthropy attempts to solve those problems at their root causes.  #NationalPhilanthropyDay

NATIONAL CLEAN OUT YOUR REFRIGERATOR DAY

National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day on November 15th encourages us to prepare for the upcoming holidays. Get together a soap and hot water-filled bucket, disinfectant, a sponge, and a garbage bag. Then you will be ready for the day!

The home economists at Whirlpool Home Appliances created National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day in 1999 to encourage people to clean out their refrigerators in advance of the upcoming holidays. At that time, the company even had a toll-free hotline that people could call into for cleaning tips.

With family gathering and a large turkey waiting to be roasted, cleaning out the refrigerator makes sense. Not only will we need room before the meals, but we also need space for all of the upcoming leftovers. Many dread this job. However, it is an important task nonetheless.

Due to our hectic and busy lifestyles, the cleaning of the refrigerator gets neglected. Hence the creation of National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. There may be a surprise or two found at the back of the shelves. Things are often pushed back as new food is put in the front and gets forgotten.

Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International found that the meat and vegetable drawers were the dirtiest spots in our kitchens – well with regards to causing disease.  However, those who clean their fridges more often tend to waste more food. There’s plenty of advice available on the frequency of fridge cleaning. Understanding food labels and the meanings behind “sell by” and “best by” dates are also important. These labels don’t necessarily mean a product has gone bad, but that the quality is best by the date on the label. However, “use by” leaves some of us wondering.

Some suggestions for your refrigeration cleaning are:

• Empty each shelf.
• Completely wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.
• Wash drawers and underneath the drawers.
• Throw away all expired food.
• Throw away any moldy food.
• Get rid of anything that you do not use.
• Vacuum condenser coils.
• Vacuum out under the refrigerator.
• Restock shelves and drawers with good food.
• Enjoy your nice, clean, organized refrigerator.

Use #CleanOutYourRefrigeratorDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL BUNDT DAY

National Bundt Day, also known as National Bundt Cake Day, is observed every year on November 15th. As people across the United States plan menus for the holidays, a bundt cake is sure to be on the list at least once.

A bundt cake can be any cake baked in a Bundt pan, forming it into a distinctive ring shape. The mold of the Bundt pan was initially inspired by the traditional European fruit cake known as Gugelhupf. It was in the 1950s and 1960s that the cookware company Nordic Ware popularized the style for the mold design and trademarked the name Bundt. Nordic Ware started producing Bundt pans made from cast aluminum. Similar pans are sold as “fluted tube pans” or other similar names.

Due to the difficulty of frosting a ring-shaped cake, bundt cakes are typically served undecorated, glazed, or dusted with powdered sugar.

In the beginning, the Bundt pan did not sell well, and Nordic Ware considered discontinuing the product. Then in the 1963 New Good Housekeeping Cookbook, the Bundt pan was mentioned, and sales increased. In 1966, sales increased dramatically when a Bundt cake called the “Tunnel of Fudge,” baked by Ella Helfrich, took second place at the annual Pillsbury Bake-Off and winning a $5,000.00 prize. The publicity from the Bake-Off resulted in more than 200,000 Bundt pan requests.

Nordic Ware has sold more than 60 million Bundt pans across North America.  To mark the 60th anniversary of the Bundt pan, Nordic Ware designated November 15 as National Bundt Day.

Get out your Bundt Pan and make a cake. There are so many different cakes to make using a bundt pan, and they come out beautiful too. You just can’t go wrong. Use #NationalBundtDay to post on social media.   #NationalBundtDay

AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

Each year on November 15, millions of people across the United States take part in America Recycles Day. The day raises awareness about recycling and the purchasing of recycled products.  The National Recycling Coalition created America Recycles Day was started in 1994. Each year, the President declares the day, encouraging Americans to commit to recycling. Since 2009, this day has been a program of Keep America Beautiful. Organizations host thousands of events across the United States to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and offer personal pledges that you can sign, committing to recycling and buying products made from recycled materials.

How we recycle and reuse products are important. For example, one-use water bottles flood America’s waterways and landfills at a rate of 60 million per day. Reducing this number can be achieved with water filtration devices and using portable re-usable drinking bottles and cups.

Reduce waste by repurposing and reusing old items. One of the bests ways to do this is by shopping at secondhand stores. Not only does it prevent items from ending up in the landfill, but it also saves you money. The old adage, “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure,” holds true. These stores offer more than you might imagine, from clothing and furnishings to kitchen items and replacement parts. If you’ve never shopped this way, consider it.

One area where we excel at recycling is aluminum. In fact, the U.S. recycles about 65% of its aluminum. That’s more than any other recycled item.

• In America, 105,800 cans are recycled every minute.
• Your television can run for 3 hours from the energy saved by recycling one can.
• In 2019, an aluminum can was worth about 1.7 cents.
• The industry pays more than $1 billion annually for recycled cans.

Your waste management professions are a wealth of information regarding recycling. They’ll give you the hard facts and steer you in the right direction, too. The role of waste management goes far beyond garbage collection. In each community, they provide various services and programs designed to protect and reduce the impact we have on our environment.

Recycle, buy recycled goods and help teach others the benefits of recycling and continue to do so each day! Use #AmericaRecyclesDay to post on social media.

The National Recycling Coalition created America Recycles Day was started in 1994. Each year, the President declares the day, encouraging Americans to commit to recycling. Since 2009, this day has been a program of Keep America Beautiful. Organizations host thousands of events across the United States to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and offer personal pledges that you can sign, committing to recycling and buying products made from recycled materials.

What's on your TV?

 Whatcha been watching lately?  We've found a couple of really good shows that I'm late to the party but would still like to share nonetheless:

• Game of Thrones / House of Dragons -- this is the prequel to HBO's wildly, hugely successful Game of Thrones.  I liked it.  But then again, I'm a big nerd.  I don't want to spoil it but I jumped a mile at the big dragon sequence in the final episode.  Like, legit screamed and jumped all at the same time.
• Lord of the Rings / Ring of Power (Amazon Prime)  -- again, I'm a big nerd so I enjoyed this.  A lot.  Especially since the anti-hero is female.  
• Inside Man (Netflix) -- starring Stanley Tucci.  We started watching this limited BBC series yesterday on the plane ride home from Saturday's Ole Miss vs. Bama game (fantastic weekend BTW) and watched the 4th and finale episode when we got home.  
• The White Lotus (HBO Max) -- I love a good ensemble show and this did not disappoint.  We also just finished the first season last night and will start the second season soon.  The first season stars Jennifer Coolidge, Connie Britton with Molly Shannon from SNL and beautifully highlights the sights and sounds of the island of Maui.  Jennifer Coolidge returns for season two but the location is now Italy. 

Sadly, Walking Dead comes to an end in a week but the Sex Lives of College Girls, Yellowstone  and Dead to Me all return to our screens so that's good.  

November 1

Tomorrow is November 1 so you know what that means!  Yup, It's Pop's Birthday,  All-Saints Day and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).  It's also National Cook for Your Pets Day, National Brush Day, Autistics Speaking Day, National Author's Day, National Biologic Coordinators Day and Coach Cos's personal favorite day, National Calzone Day!  It's also National Deep Fried Clams Day, National Cinnamon Day and National Vinegar Day.  

#NationalBrushDay (sometimes known as Brush Your Teeth Day) follows Halloween, which traditionally is the single most significant day of candy consumption in the USA.  The simple act of brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes can have a substantial impact on cavity prevention. It also impacts a myriad of oral diseases such as gingivitis.

It’s important to encourage brushing after meals and especially after sugary snacks. Teach your children a two-minute song to hum while brushing their teeth. Some good tunes to learn are:

• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• Row Row Your Boat
• Wheels on the Bus

Spend some extra time explaining the importance of brushing your teeth to children.  Replace your toothbrush.  Use #NationalBrushDay when posting on social media.

We all look at the world in our own unique ways. However, people with autism experience the world differently from most of us. They approach the world in often novel ways. Maybe one of the most important ways we all connect to and understand the world is through communication. Autistics Speaking Day on November 1 encourages autistic people to tell their stories using whatever means works for them. And everyone else is encouraged to listen, hear, read and comprehend their stories from their point of view.

On November 1, autistic people will flood the internet with their challenges and their celebrations, their interests and their dislikes. They will speak about their rights and advocacy in many languages. Some may speak with art, others with poetry or memes. They may also be speaking through podcasts. Their words and stories may be difficult to hear, but they will be speaking. But, most importantly, they will be speaking about themselves for themselves. And if you want to understand, it will be a day for you to listen.

If you’re autistic, join the movement. Tell your stories for friends and family to hear. Reach out through the internet and connect with others speaking on November 1. Take the opportunity to express your thoughts, feelings, fears and ambitions. When you do, use #AustisticsSpeakingDay to help others find your story.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network founded Autistics Speaking Day in 2010 as a way for autistic people to speak for themselves – to advocate, share their experiences and communicate openly about autism in a meaningful way. A post by Corina Becker in response to an October autism awareness campaign sparked the idea for Autistics Speaking Day. Both the day and the organization were created by people with autism, illustrating the importance of self-advocacy by those who live with autism every day. The observance is open to everyone with autism, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, their friends and families.

Biologic coordinators are some of the most important advocates for patients in healthcare—yet too often, their work goes unrecognized. That’s why, on November 1, National Biologic Coordinators Day will recognize the daily commitment of biologic coordinators everywhere.

Biologic therapy can be an important treatment option for patients. However, obtaining access to these treatments can be challenging, and patients often need help navigating the process. That’s where biologic coordinators come in. A biologic coordinator is a key member of a medical practice’s office staff. They can be a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, medical assistant, or an office/practice manager. These individuals help patients navigate the sometimes arduous and complex process of obtaining access to prescribed biologic medications.

A biologic coordinator also works collaboratively with the patient, prescribing specialist, specialty pharmacy, manufacturer, and insurance company. Each step of the way, they guide patients through the many steps needed to start and stay on their biologic medication.

As a leader in healthcare, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson is inspired by the connectivity, dedication, and compassion of these unsung heroes for the patients they work tirelessly to support.

You can show your support for these important patient advocates by sharing a story of, or photo with, a biologic coordinator using #BeCauseYouCare and #NationalBiologicCoordinatorsDay on social media.

Janssen launched the first National Biologic Coordinators Day in 2021 to make sure the work of biologic coordinators is recognized—not just among patients and physicians, but also among the industry and general public.

While being a biologic coordinator is a year-round job, the open enrollment period is one of their busiest times. Open enrollment is an annual period typically from November 1 to December 15 when people can enroll in a health insurance plan. In honoring and celebrating this important group of healthcare workers on November 1, Janssen hopes to establish a positive kickoff to this busy time.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Biologic Coordinators Day in 2021.